UNGASS 2016 - SPECIAL SESSION of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem

The UN General Assembly will hold a Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs in 2016. This Special Session will be an important milestone in achieving the goals set in the policy document of 2009 "Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem", which defined action to be taken by Member States as well as goals to be achieved by 2019.
In March 2014, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) conducted the high-level, mid-term review of the progress made in the implementation of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action, the results of which are included in the Joint Ministerial Statement adopted. Member States identified achievements, challenges and priorities for further action on the way to the target date of 2019.
The General Assembly has requested the CND, as the United Nations organ with the prime responsibility for drug control matters, to engage in the preparatory process for the UNGASS. In response to this request, the Commission adopted resolution 57/5, entitled "Special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem to be held in 2016", in which it decided to ensure an adequate, inclusive and effective preparatory process for the 2016 Special Session.
Also in that resolution, the CND decided to present proposals for consideration by the General Assembly regarding all organizational matters, including the agenda, dates, substantive issues to be covered, outcomes, and other issues relevant to the successful preparations for the special session. Furthermore, the Chair of the Commission has been requested to consider undertaking consultations with relevant stakeholders.
This process has been started immediately. As an initial step to facilitate that broader consultation with UN entities, international and regional organizations and non-governmental organizations, this website www.ungass2016.org has been created, which is meant to enable global dialogue in an inclusive and transparent manner and to function as a resource tool for the Commission in its preparations for the 2016 Special Session. All relevant UN entities, international and regional organizations as well as all NGOs which regularly attend the Commission have been invited to contribute. The website also contains a timeline that lays out important dates and events for the CND on the way to 2016.
The Commission will devote a significant part of its meetings during its reconvened 57 th session in December 2014 and during its 58 th session in March 2015 to preparations for the General Assembly Special Session on drugs in 2016.